becoming babyREADY with Sam Leeson - All About Queer Family Planning & Creation

Sam Leeson
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

"becoming babyREADY" is a Queer-centred podcast exploring the journeys of 2SLGBTQIA+ family creation. Through conversations with Queer parents and professionals, we dive into what it takes to build intentional families — from legal and financial prep to emotional support and hands-on care. Rooted in Canada and reaching around the world, these stories offer insight, inspiration, and community for anyone growing their family with pride.

  1. 1d ago

    Kate McMahon: Three Kids. One Ex-Spouse. Countless Lessons About Family.

    When Kate begins sharing her family-building story, you might think you know where it's headed. But like so many Queer family journeys, this one doesn't follow a straight line. What unfolds is a beautifully unexpected story of love, change, co-parenting, resilience, and creating a family that works—even when it looks nothing like the one you imagined. Today, Kate and her co-parenting ex-spouse are raising three incredible children who bring endless joy to their lives. As both a parent and an educator, Kate quickly realized that her children—and so many others—would eventually have big questions about their origins, family structure, and the many ways families are created. Rather than waiting for those conversations to become difficult, she began writing the books she wished every family had. In this episode, we explore co-parenting after separation, donor conception, adoption, divorce, and why giving children honest, age-appropriate language helps them grow with confidence and pride in their stories. It's an honest, hopeful, and deeply engaging conversation that reminds us there is no single "right" way to build a family—only the way that's right for yours. Learn more about Kate's books and resources at www.connectinus.com or follow along on Instagram at www,instagram.com/connectinginus  — FROM the Advert in the episode: Conscious Leadership Academy: https://www.lorrisulpizio.com Little Bond Co Baby Clothes: https://littlebondco.com Birthmark Birth support: https://birthmarksupport.com Everie Egg Donation: https://www.everiedonation.com Fertility Law Canada: http://www.fertilitylawcanada.com Understory Cafe: https://www.understorycafe.com Gaddies Dad’s Wear: https://heygaddies.com GWK Academy: https://gwkacademy.org Informed Fertility (RSW/MSW support): https://informedfertility.ca Knifey Spooney Vegan Catering: https://knifeyspooney.com

    Kate McMahon: Three Kids. One Ex-Spouse. Countless Lessons About Family.

  2. Jul 9

    Empowering Queer Families with Tom Tracy

    What a way to celebrate 150 episodes of becoming babyREADY — with none other than Tom Tracy joining me for this milestone conversation! Today we're diving into Tom's newest creation: a workbook designed specifically for Queer parents and their children. This isn't just an activity book — it's a tool built to give kids the language, voice, and confidence they need when navigating questions from a world that still defaults to cisgender, heteronormative assumptions. We talk about why that confidence matters so much, and how Tom's approach helps children raised by Queer parents feel supported, empowered, and safe — no matter what they're asked or by whom. In this episode, we cover: Why Tom created this workbook and who it's forHow the workbook helps kids respond to tough questions with confidenceThe importance of representation and voice for children of Queer parentsWhat makes this resource different from other family workbooksResources & Links: Explore all of Tom's books: www.tomtracybooks.comGet the new workbook: www.whateverworkbooks.comand on Instagram: www.instagram.com/tomtracybooks and www.instagram.com/whatever_workbooks  FROM the Advert in the episode: Conscious Leadership Academy: https://www.lorrisulpizio.com Little Bond Co Baby Clothes: https://littlebondco.com Birthmark Birth support: https://birthmarksupport.com Everie Egg Donation: https://www.everiedonation.com Fertility Law Canada: http://www.fertilitylawcanada.com Understory Cafe: https://www.understorycafe.com Gaddies Dad’s Wear: https://heygaddies.com GWK Academy: https://gwkacademy.org Informed Fertility (RSW/MSW support): https://informedfertility.ca Knifey Spooney Vegan Catering: https://knifeyspooney.com

    Empowering Queer Families with Tom Tracy

  3. Jul 2

    "One and Complete": Nick & Steven's Journey to Fatherhood Through Surrogacy

    That first cry you hear from your newborn in the operating theatre — after your surrogate delivers via caesarean on your behalf — is a moment that marks your soul forever. For Nick and Steven, that moment came three years ago, when their baby girl took her first breath. In this episode, we sit down with Nick and Steven to talk about how their relationship began with a simple goal: build a solid foundation first. That friendship blossomed into marriage, and when they were ready to grow their family, they did it together, as husbands. They dreamed of a big family with lots of kids. They found an egg donor who provided multiple healthy embryos, and a surrogate in their own state to carry their child. But the road wasn't without its challenges — the financial cost of the surrogacy process as gay dads has been far more than they ever expected. We talk about the emotional highs and lows of the process, the unique challenges of navigating fertility and legal systems that were built with heterosexual couples in mind, and how all of it led Nick and Steven to a beautiful realization: they are "one and complete" — and it suits exactly who they are. In this episode: The moment their daughter was born and what it meant to themBuilding a relationship foundation before starting a familyFinding an egg donor and surrogateThe real financial cost of surrogacy for gay couplesNavigating systems not built with same-sex parents in mindRedefining what a "complete" family looks likeFollow Nick and Steven:📸 Instagram: www.instagram.com/thehardtruthclub🎵 TikTok: www.tiktok.com/thehardtruthclub FROM the Advert in the episode: Conscious Leadership Academy: https://www.lorrisulpizio.com Little Bond Co Baby Clothes: https://littlebondco.com Birthmark Birth support: https://birthmarksupport.com Everie Egg Donation: https://www.everiedonation.com Fertility Law Canada: http://www.fertilitylawcanada.com Understory Cafe: https://www.understorycafe.com Gaddies Dad’s Wear: https://heygaddies.com GWK Academy: https://gwkacademy.org Informed Fertility (RSW/MSW support): https://informedfertility.ca Knifey Spooney Vegan Catering: https://knifeyspooney.com

    "One and Complete": Nick & Steven's Journey to Fatherhood Through Surrogacy

  4. Jun 25

    Building Community, One Connection at a Time: Megan's Journey from Pandemic Parenting to Gay Moms Club

    When Megan and her wife first got together in 2012, parenthood wasn't immediately part of the plan. After building a strong foundation and settling into married life, they realized that having children was a dream they wanted to pursue together. With her wife completing graduate school, Megan chose to be the one to carry their child. Following multiple IUI attempts, they welcomed their son, who is now six years old, and have happily embraced life as a family of three. But becoming a parent at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic brought unexpected challenges. The classes, programs, and community connections Megan had envisioned for early parenthood disappeared virtually overnight, leaving her and many other new parents feeling isolated and unsupported. Rather than accepting that reality, Megan identified a need and decided to create a solution. In this episode, Megan shares the story behind Gay Moms Club, the innovative app she launched to help lesbian parents connect with one another. In just three years, the platform has grown to more than 1,000 members, creating meaningful friendships, support networks, and a sense of belonging for families around the world. Together, we discuss:• Navigating fertility treatment and IUI as a same-sex couple• Deciding who will carry a pregnancy• Building a family as a two-mom household• Parenting during the pandemic• The importance of community and representation• Why connection with people who share your lived experience matters so deeply• The creation and growth of Gay Moms Club Whether you're building your family, raising children, or simply looking for community, Megan's story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the most impactful solutions come from recognizing a need and courageously stepping forward to meet it. Learn more about Gay Moms Club:Instagram: www.instagram.com/gaymomsclubWebsite: www.gaymomsclub.com Other resources mentioned in this episode:• www.mendchiro.com• www.weebeelearning.com

    Building Community, One Connection at a Time: Megan's Journey from Pandemic Parenting to Gay Moms Club

  5. Jun 18

    Against All Odds: One NICU Dad's Journey Through Premature Birth, Pride, and Parenthood

    What happens when you're thrown into parenthood when an unexpected baby arrives 10 weeks early? August didn't wait to find out. When his daughter arrived between 28 and 30 weeks gestation, he hit the ground running. Through a global pandemic, splitting hospital visitation schedules, and 66 days of NICU vigils, he showed up with unwavering love and determination. And his little girl? She's defying every prediction doctors made. Every. Single. One. In this episode, August opens up about what it truly means to advocate for a medically fragile child when the world feels like it's working against you. As a trans man with his own complex healthcare journey, he brings a uniquely powerful perspective on navigating systems that weren't always built with you in mind — and how to ensure your child's needs always rise to the top, no matter what. This is a conversation about resilience, identity, love, and the fierce, unshakeable bond between a parent and a child who was never supposed to make it look this easy. You'll walk away from this one differently than you came in. Also — don't miss this: August is a seasoned voice actor and he's bringing his talents to a brand new podcast alongside co-host Jameel Mayers. Certified Bad Example is a weekly show dedicated to “turning bad examples into good lessons” — and it drops just in time for Pride Month. Trust us, you're going to want to subscribe immediately - if not sooner. Follow August on IG: www.instagram.com/augustsinsta Follow Certified Bad Example on IG: www.instagram.com/certifiedbadexample

    Against All Odds: One NICU Dad's Journey Through Premature Birth, Pride, and Parenthood

  6. Jun 11

    Semper Forward: Ashley Christman's Battle Through Cancer, Service, and Motherhood

    What happens when a decorated Marine officer — who has faced deployments, cross-country moves, and the fight for the right to marry the woman she loves — discovers she's been quietly battling a stage four cancer diagnosis for years? Ashley Christman's story is one of relentless resilience. She and her wife Melissa first met as active duty Marine Corps officers in 2012, marrying in August 2013 — just one month after DOMA was repealed. From the beginning, their life together was defined by change: coast-to-coast moves, overseas tours, and the unique sacrifices that come with serving your country side by side with your partner. But for years beneath the surface, something was wrong. Ashley's symptoms were scattered, confusing, and easy to dismiss — yet she knew. She kept showing up to doctors, kept advocating for herself, kept trusting her instincts. In 2021, she finally received the answer she had been pushing for: a Neuroendocrine cancer diagnosis. Stage four. And the hits kept coming. In the same year, Ashley and Melissa navigated a new baby, a cross-country move, and a global pandemic — all while processing one of the most devastating diagnoses a person can receive. Rather than retreat, Ashley advanced. She retired from active duty and channeled her story into not one, but two powerful short films: The Commitment to Courage, her deeply personal account of the road to diagnosis (available on YouTube), and Forward, a testament to her extraordinary strength in charting a new life after a stage four diagnosis - currently being showcased at film festivals around the world. In this episode, Ashley opens up meeting the love of her life, creating the family she dreamed of as well as the years of dismissed symptoms, the moment everything changed, and what it truly means to push forward when the mission is your own survival. Links mentioned: The Commitment to Courage — https://youtu.be/kgdIc7ekZ3Y?si=WJQRH1GiojQGdulyForward — check it out on IG: www.instagram.com/forwardthefilm • • Learn more about Ashley and her journey by following her on IG: www.instagram.com/abc_traveler  Film Links: Film: “The Commitment to Courage: The Ashley Christman Story” https://youtu.be/kgdIc7ekZ3Y?si=BMNj5FDRO2OINcts Film:  Forward Instagram | @forwardthefilm LinkTree | https://linktr.ee/AshleyBChristman    Neuroendocrine Cancer Resources: NCF - Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation | Resources for Patients & Caregivers NCAN - The Neuroendocrine Cancer Awareness Network (NCAN) NETRF - Better Treatments For Neuroendocrine Tumors NETRF NANETS – https://nanets.net ENETS - European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society - enets.org   Servicemember Resources: JMMF - Home - Jimmy Miller Foundation - Ocean Therapy, CONUS West Coast and Hawaii HunterSeven Foundation - Resources and Information for Servicemembers and Veterans with Cancer Warrior Foundation Freedom Station - Warrior Foundation Freedom Station – SUPPORT FOR TRANSITIONING ILL AND INJURED WARRIORS Invictus Games Foundation - Invictus Games Semper Fi and America’s Fund - Help & Services - Semper Fi & America's Fund Wounded Warrior Project - https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

    Semper Forward: Ashley Christman's Battle Through Cancer, Service, and Motherhood

  7. Jun 4

    Love Is the Director: Sheldon Larry's Journey to Fatherhood

    What happens when a world-travelling filmmaker decides the most important story he'll ever tell is the one happening at home? Sheldon Larry has spent decades behind the camera, shooting movies across the globe — but ask him what he's most proud of, and he won't mention a single frame of film. He'll tell you about his two daughters. More than 35 years ago, Sheldon and his partner of nearly a decade made a decision that would change everything: they wanted to be fathers. As two gay men with no roadmap, no connections in the surrogacy world, and a whole lot of heart, they set out to build a family from scratch — putting their faith in the kindness of a stranger who would ultimately carry two babies and make their dream a reality. Life, of course, had other plans. The romantic relationship didn't survive the journey to fatherhood — but Sheldon's commitment to his daughters? Unwavering. Absolutely steadfast. In this episode, Sheldon opens up about navigating one of the most unique and deeply human roads through parenthood — one built on intention, resilience, and a fierce determination to raise children surrounded by love, dignity, and respect. His girls grew up knowing, without question, that love is love, and that family is whatever you make it. This one will stay with you. 🎙️ Follow Sheldon on Instagram at www.instagram.com/sheldon.larry_ Conscious Leadership Academy: https://www.lorrisulpizio.com Little Bond Co Baby Clothes: https://littlebondco.com Birthmark Birth support: https://birthmarksupport.com Everie Egg Donation: https://www.everiedonation.com Fertility Law Canada: http://www.fertilitylawcanada.com Understory Cafe: https://www.understorycafe.com Gaddies Dad’s Wear: https://heygaddies.com GWK Academy: https://gwkacademy.org Informed Fertility (RSW/MSW support): https://informedfertility.ca Knifey Spooney Vegan Catering: https://knifeyspooney.com

    Love Is the Director: Sheldon Larry's Journey to Fatherhood

  8. May 28

    Swiped Right, Moved States: How One Man's Bold Relocation Sparked a Love Story for the Ages

    What happens when you match with someone incredible on Hinge — but they live in a completely different state? For Oscar, the answer was heartbreak... until it wasn't. Oscar and Gavin connected on Hinge and immediately hit it off. The chemistry was undeniable. There was just one problem: Gavin was hundreds of miles away, and Oscar knew himself well enough to know long-distance wasn't for him. He craved something real, something local — someone he could actually build a life with. So, reluctantly, they went their separate ways. Then Gavin did something Oscar didn’t see coming. He moved to Chicago — and surprised Oscar. From the moment they finally met face to face, it was crystal clear: these two were meant to find each other. They'd already talked early on about building a family someday, so it came as no surprise that shortly after tying the knot, they were on that path. Today, Oscar and Gavin are the proud, beaming parents of two beautiful children — born just four months apart, in two different countries. It's the kind of love story that makes you believe in taking the leap. Follow Oscar and his family on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oscar_red/ to keep up with their incredible journey! Conscious Leadership Academy: https://www.lorrisulpizio.com Little Bond Co Baby Clothes: https://littlebondco.com Birthmark Birth support: https://birthmarksupport.com Everie Egg Donation: https://www.everiedonation.com Fertility Law Canada: http://www.fertilitylawcanada.com Understory Cafe: https://www.understorycafe.com Gaddies Dad’s Wear: https://heygaddies.com GWK Academy: https://gwkacademy.org Informed Fertility (RSW/MSW support): https://informedfertility.ca Knifey Spooney Vegan Catering: https://knifeyspooney.com

    Swiped Right, Moved States: How One Man's Bold Relocation Sparked a Love Story for the Ages
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"becoming babyREADY" is a Queer-centred podcast exploring the journeys of 2SLGBTQIA+ family creation. Through conversations with Queer parents and professionals, we dive into what it takes to build intentional families — from legal and financial prep to emotional support and hands-on care. Rooted in Canada and reaching around the world, these stories offer insight, inspiration, and community for anyone growing their family with pride.

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